The Importance of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA) in the Primary Curriculum – and how it can help develop young people.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s perhaps now more important than ever before to ensure that children have opportunities to engage in outdoor and adventurous activities (OAA). Integrating OAA into the primary curriculum offers numerous benefits that contribute to the holistic development of young learners. It really is the hidden gem of the PE curriculum. Let’s explore why OAA can be seen as essential, how it can positively impact children’s lives and why schools should consider boosting staff confidence and competence in delivering OAA through CPD.
- Physical Health and Well-being
One of the most obvious benefits of OAA is the promotion of physical health and well-being. Engaging in learning which can lead to such activities as hiking, climbing, and team sports helps children develop their motor skills, strength, and endurance. OAA activities in primary schools focus upon the broad and engaging categories of ‘Trail’ (orienteering, map work, journeys), ‘Problem Solving’ (these can often have a sub focus such as numeracy, literacy, geography) and ‘Trust.’ Understanding the potential for whole child development in and through these is key and they can help introduce pupils to a wider range of physical activity & sports. Regular physical activity we know, also reduces the risk of obesity and related health issues, ensuring that children grow up healthy and strong.
- Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
OAA provides children with opportunities to connect with nature, which has been shown to have a calming and restorative effect on mental health. Spending time outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also boosting mood and overall well-being. Additionally, facing and overcoming challenges and problems in outdoor settings helps children build emotional resilience, perseverance and develop a growth mindset.
- Social Skills and Teamwork
Outdoor and adventurous activities often require children to work together, fostering essential social skills and teamwork. Through activities such as problem-solving, team-building exercises, and cooperative games, children learn to communicate effectively, collaborate, trust, and support one another. These experiences help build strong interpersonal relationships and prepare children for future social interactions.
- Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
OAA encourages children to think critically and solve problems in real-world situations. Whether it’s navigating a trail or orienteering around the school site, building a shelter, or planning a group activity, children must use their creativity and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles. In fact, in OAA the solution is sometimes seen as of lesser importance than the planning, communication and working together. These experiences help develop essential cognitive skills that are transferable to academic and everyday life.
- Environmental Awareness and Stewardship
By spending time in nature, children develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its preservation. OAA fosters environmental awareness and encourages children to become stewards of the natural world. This awareness can lead to more sustainable behaviours and a lifelong commitment to protecting the planet. They can start small with the school grounds but can include their wider community through using parks and where appropriate and available other local outdoor facilities such as lakes, centres and trails.
- Confidence and Self-esteem
Participating in outdoor and adventurous activities allows children to push their boundaries and achieve personal goals. Successfully completing challenges, whether big or small, boosts confidence and self-esteem. These positive experiences help children develop a strong sense of self-worth and belief in their own abilities and also in recognising those of their peers and others.
- Lifelong Love for the Outdoors
Introducing children to OAA at a young age can instil a lifelong love for the outdoors. This passion for nature and adventure can lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle and a greater appreciation for the world around them. Encouraging children to explore and enjoy the outdoors sets the foundation for a lifetime of adventure and discovery.
Incorporating Outdoor and Adventurous Activities into the primary curriculum is not just about having fun; it’s about nurturing well-rounded, resilient, and environmentally conscious individuals. It certainly can provide huge enjoyment, create laughter and ‘banter’ making it an enjoyable area of activity for the majority of pupils. By providing children with these valuable experiences, we can help them develop the skills and qualities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
This is why, in our opinion, OAA should be on the primary school curriculum map – it has so much potential and can support a significant cross-curricular dimension that other areas of the PE curriculum can’t really provide. If you feel that OAA could be of significant benefit to your pupils and you want advice and support on implementing it into your curriculum then do contact us. We also provide CPD for staff to understand how OAA works in primary schools, it’s potential and how to deliver it on your school site. Click on the link below to see our training course or contact us to discuss your needs.
OAA on the Primary School Site – CPD for Schools from VisionED